July 25, 2025, the Observatory in Santa Ana was the place to be. It was the pre-show event before Vans Warped Tour in Long Beach, and let me tell you — it was straight-up wild. Sold out and packed with fans, ( and the parking was a nightmare — I had to park two miles away from the venue! ) it felt like a little taste of what the main festival would be like, and everyone there was buzzing with excitement.
Doors opened at 6 PM, and by the time the first band hit the stage at 7, the energy was already building. Games We Play played a set that got everyone hyped — you could feel the anticipation in the air. It was the perfect warm-up, and the crowd was into it from the start.
At 8 PM, Saosin took over and completely owned the room. They played with so much passion, and you could tell everyone was soaking it in — singing along to all the hits like it was a reunion. The vibe was nostalgic but still full of that raw energy that makes live music special.
Then, around 9:15, Chiodos came out and turned things up even more. They brought that chaotic, wild energy that made their early shows legendary. The crowd was moshing, singing, and living for every moment — it was chaos in the best way possible.
The show wrapped up around 10:15 with a surprise encore of some fan favorites. Everyone left the venue feeling hyped and connected — like we’d just shared something special before the real festival in Long Beach.
Honestly, this wasn’t just a warm-up — it was a reminder of why we love this scene. The energy, the nostalgia, the community — it all came together for one unforgettable night.
PHOTO CREDIT: Live Photos By Angel Mejia For ZRockR Magazine – (c) 2025 – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
